Near West Liberty in Logan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Pickrell UGRR Station
— Historic Underground Railroad Site —
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019
1. Pickrell UGRR Station Marker
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 increased the punishment for
abolitionists and rewards to those whom facilitated their capture
and return to owners.This led to the routes to the East and West being more difficult to navigate from Columbus to Lake Erie Stations. Thus, often “middle” routes were established to help evade pursuers. The entire community and specifically Henry and son Mahlon Pickrell acted as conductors and station operators in keeping with the Quaker mission:
“For I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit.”
Erected 2019 by Curtis Myers T121 Eagle Scout Project – Logan County Historical Society- Logan Hills Festival – Logan County BiCentennial Committee The Friends of Freedom Society, Inc.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Abolition & Underground RR. In addition, it is included in the Quakerism series list.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Pickrelltown Community Club (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pickrelltown Monument Honor Roll (approx. 0.3 miles away); Monroe Township School (approx. 1˝ miles away); Second Church/ First School (approx. 1.7 miles away); Goshen Quaker Cemetery (approx. 1.7 miles away); George Washington Rockwell (approx. 2 miles away); Hicksite Quaker Church (approx. 2.1 miles away); Earl S. Sloan (1848-1923) (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Liberty.
Additional commentary.
1. Thank you.
Henry Pickrell was one of my great great great great grandfathers. His story was not passed down through my family. I originally found his story online around 2000 and was shocked to learn he had built a house to accommodate escaping slaves and I knew nothing about it. Thanks to all who were responsible for the new sign commemorating this piece of Logan County history and the Quakers’ involvement in the Underground Railroad.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019
2. Pickrell UGRR Station Marker
full view of the new marker, from the woods/ house site. Nearly the same site as the old missing marker
Additional keywords. Eagle Scout Project
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019
3. Pickrell UGRR Station Marker
marker as seen from across the road, shortly after unveiling
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019
4. Pickrell UGRR Station Marker
the Pickrell Mansion, as it appeared in the 1960s
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, September 28, 2019
5. Pickrell UGRR Station Marker
the veiled marker, showing the logo of the Friends of Freedom Society
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 760 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 28, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
